Paul Le Jeune - Biography

Biography

Le Jeune was born in Vitry-le-François in the region of Champagne, France in 1591. Le Jeune received a thorough preparation for the Jesuit priesthood; he was a novice for two years between 1613 and 1615, and he was deeply influenced by his mentor Father Massé, whom he met at the collège Henri IV de La Flèche. During his studies, Le Jeune developed a keen interest in missions and became convinced that education was a key element in any successful attempt to spread Christianity.

In 1624, Le Jeune was ordained, and in 1631 he was named superior of the Jesuit mission in Canada. It was then that he journeyed to Quebec and began his religious and educational work in the colony. Le Jeune remained the superior of the Jesuit mission until 1639 when he was replaced by Father Barthélemy Vimont, but he did not return to France until 1649. Upon his return, he served as the mission procurator of New France until 1662, only two years before his death. Paul Le Jeune was born of Calvinist parents in the province of Champagne which gave so many exceptional souls to New France.